# Rubric: Particle Model of Matter

## Task

Students present a labelled model or report on the particle model of matter.

## Curriculum alignment

Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases ([Outcome](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)). The rubric assesses:

- Representation of solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model of matter ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477))
- Relating the movement and arrangement of particles to the state of matter ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477))
- Describing the impact that attractive forces have on the movement and arrangement of particles ([Skills](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477))
- Understanding that the particle model of matter explains the behaviour of particles in matter ([Understanding](https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476))

## Rubric

| Criterion | Beginning | Developing | Proficient | Exemplary |
|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| **Representation of particles in states of matter** | Shows particles in only one state or with significant errors in arrangement or spacing. | Shows particles in two states with mostly correct arrangement; one state has errors. | Shows particles in all three states with correct spacing and arrangement for each state. | Clearly shows particles in all three states with precise spacing, arrangement, and visual distinction between states. |
| **Movement and arrangement** | Describes particle movement or arrangement but not both; descriptions are unclear or incomplete. | Describes both movement and arrangement for most states; one description lacks clarity or accuracy. | Describes how particles move and arrange differently in solids, liquids, and gases with accuracy. | Explains movement and arrangement with clear connections to how each state behaves; uses precise language. |
| **Attractive forces between particles** | Does not address attractive forces or describes them incorrectly. | Mentions attractive forces but with limited or partial accuracy; connection to state of matter is unclear. | Describes how attractive forces are strongest in solids and weakest in gases; relates to particle arrangement. | Explains how attractive force strength determines particle spacing and movement; connects to physical properties. |
| **Clarity and labelling** | Model or report is difficult to understand; labels are missing or unclear. | Model or report is mostly clear; most labels are present and accurate. | Model or report is clear and well-organized; all key parts are labelled accurately. | Model or report is exceptionally clear and organized; labels are precise and enhance understanding. |

## Scoring

Assign each criterion a level: Beginning (1), Developing (2), Proficient (3), or Exemplary (4). Add the four scores. A total of 12 to 13 indicates developing understanding; 14 to 15 indicates proficient understanding; 16 indicates exemplary understanding.

## Notes for the teacher

- When assessing representation, look for accurate spacing between particles. In solids, particles should be close together; in liquids, separated by visible spaces; in gases, separated by large spaces.
- For movement and arrangement, check that students distinguish between vibrating in place (solids), sliding past each other (liquids), and moving in all directions (gases).
- Attractive forces can be shown through visual density or explicitly labelled. Accept either approach if the connection to particle spacing is clear.
- Accept models (drawings, diagrams, physical models) or written reports. Both formats can meet all four criteria equally well.

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*AILI marking guide · language en · model claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · generated 2026-09-17 · id 97c4f098-5fc2-4999-ad26-a14cb9b600cd*

### Sources

- node:n1: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472)
- node:n2: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)
- node:n3: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)
- node:n4: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)
- node:n5: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476)
- node:n6: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36479)
- node:n7: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36481)
- node:n8: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480)
- node:n9: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36473)
- node:n10: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36475)
- node:n11: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36477)
- node:n12: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36480)
- node:n13: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. › How can states of matter and other physical properties be explained by using the particle model of matter? › Students investigate the particle model of matter in relation to the physical properties of solids, liquids, and gases. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36476)
- pdf:p1: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Stepping Into Science Alberta | Matter - Grade 5 › p.1 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/pdf/9862?page=1)
- node:n14: Sciences › Science (K–6) › Grade 5 › Matter: Understandings of the physical world are deepened by investigating matter and energy. (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/explore/node/36472)
- resource:r1: Resources › type#teachersupport › SCI5 (https://goa-cc-uat-aili-app-001.azurewebsites.net/library/resource/ZK9cRtVnOkS6O4OtO76VEQ)